National Diabetes Prevention Program in Underserved Areas to Expand

Nationwide availability of a Spanish-language offering of the CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) was announced by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation through its partnership with Tabula Rasa HealthCare (THRC).

The National DPP is an evidence-based lifestyle change program designed to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes among adults with prediabetes, according to a press release.

“We are honored to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to deliver evidence-based diabetes prevention lifestyle change programs to the people who need it the most,” said Benjamin Bluml, RPh, senior vice president, research and innovation of the APhA Foundation, in a press release. “We are excited about delivering an innovative model of diabetes prevention care, accessible across the United States in both English and Spanish, that we believe will help people lead healthier lives.”

Through Project IMPACT: Diabetes Prevention, the APhA Foundation has built the infrastructure that allows the National DPP to be offered using an innovative service model. The model allows providers to use a combination of face-to-face, distance learning, and online solutions to tailor the program to meet the individual needs of the participants.

Each session of the Spanish offering will be delivered by a native Spanish-speaking trained lifestyle coach and is designed to support participants as they navigate the yearlong lifestyle change program. Lifestyle coaches use real-world examples of challenges participants may encounter and offer solutions to overcome them, according to the press release.

“Through TRHC’s collaboration with APhA Foundation, we are using innovative solutions such as on-demand digital recordings with a certified lifestyle coach, as well as a virtual group session with their coach to reinforce and apply the concepts learned,” said TRHC chairman and CEO Calvin H. Knowlton, PhD, in a press release. “Our unique delivery model improves access for both English and Spanish speaking participants by eliminating barriers to participation, including scheduling and transportation issues. This telehealth model will help us reach priority populations as identified by the CDC.”

REFERENCE

Expanding the National Diabetes Prevention Program in Underserved Areas. APhA Foundation. https://www.aphafoundation.org/news-release/11_09_2020_Expanding_DPP_Press_Release. Published November 10, 2020. Accessed November 11, 2020.